Placing multinational corporations on the stand
After the horrific fire of the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh, I ruffled through my wardrobe and looked at the labels enclosed with each garment. The results weren’t shocking or unexpected, but a sweeping sense of guilt washed over me.
Aside from some jeans, some sweaters and a few jackets which touted a “Made in USA” label, the majority of my clothes were made in China, Vietnam and India. I also found one item that was made in Bangladesh — my favourite pair of boots. I suddenly felt dirty for buying them.
It’s no secret that most companies outsource labour to foreign countries. It’s also no secret that many companies exploit these foreign workers, forcing them to work in unsafe conditions, and often for meagre wages. The term “sweat shop” is part of our vernacular and we all know what it means, yet we do little to stop it; foreign exploitation is proclaimed on many labels, but we turn a blind eye.
When we shop, we look at the price tag, but not the label enclosed. We often don’t stop to think about where the products we enjoy come from or how they are made. I think it’s about time we did. It’s time to stop this intentional denial, and finally help others in less fortunate circumstances.
To accomplish this, citizens must stand up against the sociopathic nature of multinational corporations. The current free enterprise system needs to change, and regulations must be brought in. Without regulation, multinational companies will continue to exploit everything from human life to the environment.
I am not advocating that capitalism needs to be abolished or that outsourcing cannot occur. I am, however, advocating for adjustments in our system to happen. While companies should be able to enjoy a profit, the bottom line should not be more important than human life, human dignity and the environment.
As consumers, we may feel that it is not our responsibility to oppose multinational corporations, but it is. Everything that we buy supports the current system. This support is akin to a direct vote that allows exploitation to continue.
As consumers, we seem to forget that we have an immense amount of power: if we collectively demanded change, companies would be forced to adapt their means of production to suit the demand. Demanding change won’t be easy. It would involve co-ordinating, planning, petitions and boycotts. It would mean giving up some of your time. It may also mean having a little less, so that others have a little more.
Although life in Canada is hard for many of us, are lucky to live here. As students, many of us are drowning in debt and struggling to make ends meet, but the difference in our society is that we have options to better our lives and to enjoy a decent standard of living. For the many factory workers producing our goods, these options are not available; instead, these workers are forced to accept work in dangerous conditions for an unlivable wage.
The poverty that many of these workers face is incomparable to us even at out poorest. Aren’t we willing to help others with far less opportunity? Although it won’t be easy, I truly believe that it is possible for far more people to have a decent standard of living.
As a privileged nation, it’s time that we took a hard look at ourselves in the mirror, past our trendy clothes and iPhones. While we may enjoy all of our stuff, is it really worth the real price tag?
